Macca turns 70 today – six years past 64 – and judging by the outpouring of online tributes, the world does indeed still love Sir Paul.

As if perfectly timed for Paul McCartney's birthday, a collection of rare and never-before-seen photographs of the Beatles' early years went on display this week in New York City.

At the Morrison Hotel Gallery, which specializes in rare and compelling rock memorabilia, Beatlephiles can catch extremely rare snapshots of the Fab Four from 1964-66, on loan from the estates of late photographers Robert Whitaker and Curt Gunther until the end of summer.

Whitaker, a British-born photographer, tagged along with the Beatles for their second American tour, which included the famous Shea Stadium concert, just as Beatlemania had reached full roar.

He spent two years with the lads, capturing them at home, in the studio and during private moments, like this backstage shot of McCartney in Minnesota.

Photograph: Robert Whitaker/Courtesy Morrison Hotel Gallery

Gutner was an American photographer was on hand for the lads' first pass through North America in 1964, when he caught the image (at the top of this post) of Paul introducing John Lennon on stage.